Neuroendocrine differentiation in sporadic CRC and hereditary nonpolyosis colorectal cancer

Issue title: LYNCH SYNDROME (HNPCC) AND MICROSATELLITE INSTABILITY

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Sun, M.H.

Affiliations: State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering; Department of Pathology, Cancer Hospital/Cancer Institute, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, P.R. China

Note: [] Corresponding author: M.H. Sun, MD, Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Dept. of Pathology; Cancer Hospital/Cancer Institute; Fudan University; DongAn Road #270; 200032, Shanghai, P.R. China. E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Extent neuroendocrine differentiation can be encountered in many human neoplasm derived from different organs and systems using immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural techniques. The tumor cells' behaviors resemble those of neurons and neuroendocrine cells. The presence of neuroendocrine differentiation reputedly appears to be associated with a poorer prognosis than the adenocarcinoma counterparts in sporadic human neoplasm. In this review the neuroendocrine carcinoma and the adenocarcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation of colon and rectum both in sporadic colorectal carcinoma and the hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, the relationship of neuroendocrine differentiation and some possible molecular pathways in tumorogenesis of colorectal cancer will be discussed. Possible treatment strategy will also be addressed.

Keywords: colorectal neoplasm, neuroendocrine differentiation, hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer

Journal: Disease Markers, vol. 20, no. 4-5, pp. 283-288, 2004